THE GREAT HYPNOTIST (****1/2)

(2014) Xu Ruining (Zheng Xu) is a psychologist and lecturer in China, a local celebrity known for his innovative techniques in using hypnosis to treat his patients - particularly debunking those who see ghosts or spirits.  But when an older colleague refers a patient to Dr. Xu - a woman named Ren Xiaoyan (Karen Mok), who claims to see dead people - the smart but smug good doctor finds he's met his match in a patient who may actually be the real thing ... or could be his undoing.  Though much of the film covers the lengthy doctor-patient session that takes place in Xu's office, I was never bored or lost interest in the tennis-like battle between them.  As convincing as Ren's stories are Xu's arguments against them ... until things start to shift and slide and the viewer  begins to realize that maybe everything they're seeing is not as it seems.  I loved this film, did not see the various twists (including the final big one) coming at all, and in the end was left with tears in my eyes as the credits rolled.  Some might find the mostly-office setting a bit static for the film, but I stayed intrigued every moment - and it was so worth it! (not rated)

THE GREAT HYPNOTIST trailer